The negative assist-to-turnover is an
issue that's certain to be addressed this season at a time when Michigan State
returns four starters and will enter the preseason as one of the nation's top
teams.

A need for improvement in that area
is being noticed nationally as well, as ESPN college basketball analyst Jay
Bilas brought it up in an interview with Spartan Nation Radio on Friday.

"Taking a little bit better care of the ball, which I know
they can do," Bilas said. "A little loose with it here and there. It's not
anything major of a problem, but it's something I think they can do a better
job of."

Sporting News writer Mike DeCourcy noted that guards Keith
Appling and Denzel Valentine were among the Spartans that needed to cut down on
turnovers. He also wrote that the Spartans last season were the highest-seeded
team in the NCAA tournament with a negative assist-to-turnover ratio.

Izzo had one word to describe the carelessness last season
in speaking with the Sporting News.